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Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other types of dementia are most common in the very elderly, and are associated with hugehealth costs. With a rapidly ageing population throughout theworld, factors that affect the risk of cognitive decline anddementia are of great importance. A review paper by Kim JW et al published in Psychiatry Investig 2012;9:8-16 on the association between alcohol consumption andcognition in the elderly provides an excellent summary of thepotential ways in which alcohol may affect cognitive function andthe risk of dementia, both adversely and favourably as alcohol mayhave both a neuro toxic and neuro protective effect, depending onthe dose and drinking pattern. Longitudinal and brain imagingstudies in the elderly show that excessive alcohol consumption mayincrease the risk of cognitive dysfunction and dementia, butregular low to moderate alcohol intake may protect againstcognitive decline and dementia and provide cardiovascular benefits. Studies published from 1971 to 2011 related to alcohol andcognition in the elderly were reviewed using a PubMed search. Atpresent, there are no proven agents to prevent cognitive decline ordementia, although a number of prospective epidemiologic studieshave shown a lower risk of such conditions among light to moderatedrinkers in comparison with non-drinkers. Other studies have foundthat beneficial effects are seen only among certain sub-groups ofsubjects. A recent meta-analysis by Peters et al of subjects overthe age of 65 in longitudinal studies concluded thatlight-to-moderate alcohol consumption, in comparison withabstinence, was associated with approximately 35-45% lower risk ofcognitive decline or dementia. This paper provides a summary of what is known about the mechanismsby which alcohol consumption, especially heavy drinking, can beneurotoxic, and how light-to-moderate drinking may help protectagainst cognitive decline and dementia. The authors state thattheir intent is to determine if there is an "optimal pattern ofdrinking" that may protect the elderly against such conditions. At present, the mechanisms by which the moderate intake of wine andother alcoholic beverages reduces the risk of cardiovasculardiseases are much better defined than they are for cognition. Forummembers agree with the authors that further research is needed toevaluate a potential role that alcohol may play in reducing therisk of dementia. Forum members also agree that, at present, the specific mechanismsof such putative protection are not well defined, and it would bepremature to recommend light-to-moderate drinking for reducing therisk of dementia. On the other hand, current biomedical datasupports the concept that regular, moderate intake of ethanol isnot simply less dangerous for cognitive function, but is positivelyprotective. This is the same conclusion reached by epidemiologicstudies." Additional References Citations. I am an expert from nail-polish-stickers.com, while we provides the quality product, such as Nail Art Stickers Decals , Glitter Tattoo Sticker, French Manicure Nail Stickers,and more.
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